SILVERWARE FOR THE GREAT EXHIBITION
London
At an extraordinary special Court held on Tuesday last the Goldsmiths Company unanimously decided to award the sum of £1000. for prizes to be given to those artists of the craft, of the United Kingdom, who can produce works of the highest design and merit in gold and silver plate, for the Exhibition of 1851. The sum of £1000. is to be divided into prizes varying in amount from £300 to £20 and £10 for works of the most costly description, which it is more than probable will be eventually purchased by the Company. There will be services, candelabra, church plate, and smaller objects, even to a saltcellar so that the most humble artisan in the craft shall receive his impulse, to encourage him in honourable exertion, as much in proportion as the first goldsmith in the land. The various works for competition are to be forwarded to the Goldsmiths Hall without the name of the owner; when each piece will be rigidly scrutinized, and those possessing the highest standard of merit in both design and workmanship will be accepted and forwarded to the Exhibition of 1851, and take their stand in competition against the whole world.
Source: Morning Chronicle - November 1850
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The Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
A NEW FASHION
London
A fashionable-looking woman stepped into her carriage, which had waited for an hour before a jewellery establishment. The jeweller watched her as she disappeared. Do you see that woman ?" he said. She has diamonds embroidered in her stockings." Rhinestones ?" No. Diamonds; first-water diamonds. We just finished two pairs of stockings for her with big patterns of diamonds on the instep. And she is far from being the only one. She wishes the might be, but she isn't. It is getting to be a fad among the richest women-of course I mean the women who aspire to splendour in dress and do not care a snap of their fingers how much it costs them or their husbands." But they don't really wear those things ?" Of course they do, and the effect of all the jewels, embroidered thick on the instep, is dazzling beyond conception. It is the richest and most startling extravagance which woman's dress has known for centuries." The tradesman went to a plutocratic looking safe, and drew from its recesses a plush box. If you don't believe in the diamond stockings," he said, cast your eye over these." They were a pair of stockings, long, exceedingly long, and of silk so fine that you could have passed both of them at once through a wedding-ring. They were of the most delicate blue imaginable, with a dainty monogram woven at the top in pale shaded silk. But the instep was the glory of it all. It charmed the gaze with irresistible magnetism. It glowed and pulsed in the flashing light like a great angry heart of fire. In a superb cluster were woven a thimbleful of the tiniest of rubies, that glittered and gleamed now like a hundred little burning coals, now baleful like the eyes of a great wrath.
Source: Daily Mail - November 1896
Trev.
London
A fashionable-looking woman stepped into her carriage, which had waited for an hour before a jewellery establishment. The jeweller watched her as she disappeared. Do you see that woman ?" he said. She has diamonds embroidered in her stockings." Rhinestones ?" No. Diamonds; first-water diamonds. We just finished two pairs of stockings for her with big patterns of diamonds on the instep. And she is far from being the only one. She wishes the might be, but she isn't. It is getting to be a fad among the richest women-of course I mean the women who aspire to splendour in dress and do not care a snap of their fingers how much it costs them or their husbands." But they don't really wear those things ?" Of course they do, and the effect of all the jewels, embroidered thick on the instep, is dazzling beyond conception. It is the richest and most startling extravagance which woman's dress has known for centuries." The tradesman went to a plutocratic looking safe, and drew from its recesses a plush box. If you don't believe in the diamond stockings," he said, cast your eye over these." They were a pair of stockings, long, exceedingly long, and of silk so fine that you could have passed both of them at once through a wedding-ring. They were of the most delicate blue imaginable, with a dainty monogram woven at the top in pale shaded silk. But the instep was the glory of it all. It charmed the gaze with irresistible magnetism. It glowed and pulsed in the flashing light like a great angry heart of fire. In a superb cluster were woven a thimbleful of the tiniest of rubies, that glittered and gleamed now like a hundred little burning coals, now baleful like the eyes of a great wrath.
Source: Daily Mail - November 1896
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
ANCHOR SILVER PLATE Co. POISONS COW?
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Bridget Dorgan has started a suit against the Anchor Silver Plate Co., St. Paul, to recover $125, the value of a cow. She complains that her husband was driving the animal past the factory of the defendant when the cow stopped to drink from a barrel. Five minutes after the cow was dead. Plaintiff claims that the water in the barrel was mixed with a poisonous acid.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 3rd January 1906
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Saint Paul, Minnesota
Bridget Dorgan has started a suit against the Anchor Silver Plate Co., St. Paul, to recover $125, the value of a cow. She complains that her husband was driving the animal past the factory of the defendant when the cow stopped to drink from a barrel. Five minutes after the cow was dead. Plaintiff claims that the water in the barrel was mixed with a poisonous acid.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 3rd January 1906
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
ZOOLOGICAL JEWELLERY
London
There is quite a zoological appearance about feminine jewellery this season. "Chantecler" has set a fashion which still holds sway, and nearly every denizen of the farmyard and the covert, the moor and the wood, has been reproduced with more or less faithfulness by the jeweller. I saw a novelty which had attracted quite a little crowd to the window of a Regent-street shop. Worked in diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, a parrot was squatting on a crossbar, from which hung a gold chain. To this a monkey - blazing in precious stones - was clinging. Another design showed the gold chain concluding in a hoop, upon which a second parrot was balanced. And these relatively large ornaments are brooches! Naturally, the price corresponds to the size and the rarity of the stones used.
Source: Daily Dispatch - September 1910
Trev.
London
There is quite a zoological appearance about feminine jewellery this season. "Chantecler" has set a fashion which still holds sway, and nearly every denizen of the farmyard and the covert, the moor and the wood, has been reproduced with more or less faithfulness by the jeweller. I saw a novelty which had attracted quite a little crowd to the window of a Regent-street shop. Worked in diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, a parrot was squatting on a crossbar, from which hung a gold chain. To this a monkey - blazing in precious stones - was clinging. Another design showed the gold chain concluding in a hoop, upon which a second parrot was balanced. And these relatively large ornaments are brooches! Naturally, the price corresponds to the size and the rarity of the stones used.
Source: Daily Dispatch - September 1910
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
HALLMARKING QUESTIONED
London
The process of Hall-marking adopted by the Goldsmiths' Company is no protection to the public, in the purchase of what they are led to believe to be a guarantee that the article so purchased is genuine. A large collection of articles were produced at Mr. Streeter's, in London, and examined, to illustrate the fact that the public are subjected to the most astounding frauds, even with respect to that which is looked upon as jewellery of a first-class character, and for which the highest price is paid. An advertisement from an East-end jeweller was produced, offering to supply Hall-marked gold rings to the public at 5s. each and upwards, and a ring with his invoice was produced, which, although bearing the Hallmark, was found to be filled with cement.
A brooch, the outer casing of which was thin gold, and Hall-marked, was filled with copper exactly fitting the mould of the brooch. These frauds, it is contended, are committed by working jewellers, to whom the West-end firms entrust their gold to be manufactured, and it is argued that, so long as the Goldsmiths' Company consent to Hall-mark unfinished and hollow jewellery, there is no check. In France and America the Hall-marking is done by Government, and they refuse to affix the mark until the article is completed. If that system were adopted, and every shopkeeper compelled to guarantee the quality of the gold he sells, the public would be protected.
Source: Daily Courier - 8th April 1873
Trev.
London
The process of Hall-marking adopted by the Goldsmiths' Company is no protection to the public, in the purchase of what they are led to believe to be a guarantee that the article so purchased is genuine. A large collection of articles were produced at Mr. Streeter's, in London, and examined, to illustrate the fact that the public are subjected to the most astounding frauds, even with respect to that which is looked upon as jewellery of a first-class character, and for which the highest price is paid. An advertisement from an East-end jeweller was produced, offering to supply Hall-marked gold rings to the public at 5s. each and upwards, and a ring with his invoice was produced, which, although bearing the Hallmark, was found to be filled with cement.
A brooch, the outer casing of which was thin gold, and Hall-marked, was filled with copper exactly fitting the mould of the brooch. These frauds, it is contended, are committed by working jewellers, to whom the West-end firms entrust their gold to be manufactured, and it is argued that, so long as the Goldsmiths' Company consent to Hall-mark unfinished and hollow jewellery, there is no check. In France and America the Hall-marking is done by Government, and they refuse to affix the mark until the article is completed. If that system were adopted, and every shopkeeper compelled to guarantee the quality of the gold he sells, the public would be protected.
Source: Daily Courier - 8th April 1873
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
THE CENTENARY OF THE SOHO CLOCK FACTORY
Birmingham
One of the most interesting centenaries of the Nelson year is that of the Soho clock factory, practically founded by the celebrated Boulton and Watt. These famous inventors had a department in their works in which clock-making was carried on, and a Manchester man, John Houghton, was employed to look after it. On their giving up the department Mr. Houghton took it over, and started for himself in Park Road, near by the old Mint, in 1805. In 1842 he built the present well known factory on the main road from Birmingham to Wolverhampton.
At this period it stood alone, being away in the country, and, moreover, the smoke, now such a feature of the surrounding country, had not then made its appearance. Soon after this Mr. Houghton retired, and the business passed to William Frederick Evans, his son-in-law, who had assisted him for some considerable time. Mr. Houghton died in 1863. When W. F. Evans took over the business he speedily made improvements, so as to keep it thoroughly up to date, and having had a long experience representing the firm on the road and being personally known throughout Great Britain, he had no difficulty in keeping the quality of the work up to the standard and a large clientele. He was succeeded by his sons, J. H. and W. F. Evans, when he passed away in 1899.
W. F. Evans, however, did not long survive his father’s death, and owing to J. H. Evans’ London business precluding his taking the management, W. Evans, Jr., took over the management of the establishment, which, owing to his very wide practical knowledge, he will undoubtedly control in a manner reflecting credit alike upon himself and also the reputable British firm which has made such an honored name throughout the commercial world for the past century.
Source: London Watchmaker - December 1905
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Birmingham
One of the most interesting centenaries of the Nelson year is that of the Soho clock factory, practically founded by the celebrated Boulton and Watt. These famous inventors had a department in their works in which clock-making was carried on, and a Manchester man, John Houghton, was employed to look after it. On their giving up the department Mr. Houghton took it over, and started for himself in Park Road, near by the old Mint, in 1805. In 1842 he built the present well known factory on the main road from Birmingham to Wolverhampton.
At this period it stood alone, being away in the country, and, moreover, the smoke, now such a feature of the surrounding country, had not then made its appearance. Soon after this Mr. Houghton retired, and the business passed to William Frederick Evans, his son-in-law, who had assisted him for some considerable time. Mr. Houghton died in 1863. When W. F. Evans took over the business he speedily made improvements, so as to keep it thoroughly up to date, and having had a long experience representing the firm on the road and being personally known throughout Great Britain, he had no difficulty in keeping the quality of the work up to the standard and a large clientele. He was succeeded by his sons, J. H. and W. F. Evans, when he passed away in 1899.
W. F. Evans, however, did not long survive his father’s death, and owing to J. H. Evans’ London business precluding his taking the management, W. Evans, Jr., took over the management of the establishment, which, owing to his very wide practical knowledge, he will undoubtedly control in a manner reflecting credit alike upon himself and also the reputable British firm which has made such an honored name throughout the commercial world for the past century.
Source: London Watchmaker - December 1905
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
WATCHMAKER WINS STRANGE BET
Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania
Horace Finberg, a Polish watchmaker, of Mt. Carmel, Pa., fasted 24 hours, standing in one position, last week, in order to win a wager of $10.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 6th February 1901
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Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania
Horace Finberg, a Polish watchmaker, of Mt. Carmel, Pa., fasted 24 hours, standing in one position, last week, in order to win a wager of $10.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 6th February 1901
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
A DERBY DAY ADVENTURE
London
M. Edouard Goudstikker, a Paris jeweller. who came over to see the Derby, appeared at Bow-street yesterday to prosecute Thomas Lloyd, a refreshment house keeper, on a charge of stealing from him a pearl scarf pin, value £50.
Goudstikker said that at 11.30 on Wednesday morning he took a ticket at Charing Cross for the races. As he was leaving the booking office window he was stopped by Lloyd and other men. Feeling at once for his pocket book and scarf pin, he found that the latter was missing, and, accusing Lloyd, gave him into custody. The pin, at Lloyd's suggestion, was found on the floor.
A constable said that Goudstikker was determined to go to the races, and he would not attend to charge the prisoner until after he returned in the evening. Lloyd was remanded.
Source: Evening Express and Evening Mail - 7th June 1907
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London
M. Edouard Goudstikker, a Paris jeweller. who came over to see the Derby, appeared at Bow-street yesterday to prosecute Thomas Lloyd, a refreshment house keeper, on a charge of stealing from him a pearl scarf pin, value £50.
Goudstikker said that at 11.30 on Wednesday morning he took a ticket at Charing Cross for the races. As he was leaving the booking office window he was stopped by Lloyd and other men. Feeling at once for his pocket book and scarf pin, he found that the latter was missing, and, accusing Lloyd, gave him into custody. The pin, at Lloyd's suggestion, was found on the floor.
A constable said that Goudstikker was determined to go to the races, and he would not attend to charge the prisoner until after he returned in the evening. Lloyd was remanded.
Source: Evening Express and Evening Mail - 7th June 1907
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
VISIT OF THE SIAMESE AMBASSADORS OF THE FIRST AND SECOND KINGS OF SIAM
Manchester
Yesterday the first Ambassador only visited our manufactories: the second remained in his room at the Queen's throughout the day. The former was accompanied by Mr. Alderman Bowker, first to the railway Carriage Works of Mr. Ashbury, at Openshaw, and then to the screw-bolt works of Mr. John Glasgow, in Trafford Street, Gaythorn. At each of these places. his excellency remained a long time more especially at the works of Mr. Ashbury, where he spent upwards of three hours in examining the many interesting things which are there to be seen. In the afternoon, a visit was paid to the jewellery establishment of Mr. Furniss, St. Ann's Street. An immense Crowd collected in that street, and the adjoining Corner of the Square, and continued until the strangers Were driven off to the Queen's Hotel.
Source: The Manchester Examiner and Times - 17th December 1857
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Manchester
Yesterday the first Ambassador only visited our manufactories: the second remained in his room at the Queen's throughout the day. The former was accompanied by Mr. Alderman Bowker, first to the railway Carriage Works of Mr. Ashbury, at Openshaw, and then to the screw-bolt works of Mr. John Glasgow, in Trafford Street, Gaythorn. At each of these places. his excellency remained a long time more especially at the works of Mr. Ashbury, where he spent upwards of three hours in examining the many interesting things which are there to be seen. In the afternoon, a visit was paid to the jewellery establishment of Mr. Furniss, St. Ann's Street. An immense Crowd collected in that street, and the adjoining Corner of the Square, and continued until the strangers Were driven off to the Queen's Hotel.
Source: The Manchester Examiner and Times - 17th December 1857
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
REMARKABLE FEAT IN MINIATURE ENGRAVING
Toronto
Toronto, Can., April 15.—Samuel E. Dibbs, an engraver in the employ of the Grip Engraving Co., this city, has recently accomplished an elaborate piece of work in fine engraving, which, it is claimed, exceeds all previous feats in the same line. On the head of a common pin, rather below the average size, he has cut in relief the letters of the alphabet, the figures from 1 to 10, and the date 1899. He has also engraved upon a Canadian silver five-cent piece the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, his name and address, the date "Oct., 1899," and the words: "There are 1,573 letters engraved on this coin." Examination through a powerful magnifying glass proved the correctness of Mr. Dibbs's claim.
The work on the pin's head was accomplished in 45 hours, no record of the time occupied on the coin being kept. It was done with ordinary engraving tools, by the aid of a strong magnifying glass. Mr. Dibbs is now at work on another pin, and expects to accomplish a still more surprising feat.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 26th April 1899
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Toronto
Toronto, Can., April 15.—Samuel E. Dibbs, an engraver in the employ of the Grip Engraving Co., this city, has recently accomplished an elaborate piece of work in fine engraving, which, it is claimed, exceeds all previous feats in the same line. On the head of a common pin, rather below the average size, he has cut in relief the letters of the alphabet, the figures from 1 to 10, and the date 1899. He has also engraved upon a Canadian silver five-cent piece the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, his name and address, the date "Oct., 1899," and the words: "There are 1,573 letters engraved on this coin." Examination through a powerful magnifying glass proved the correctness of Mr. Dibbs's claim.
The work on the pin's head was accomplished in 45 hours, no record of the time occupied on the coin being kept. It was done with ordinary engraving tools, by the aid of a strong magnifying glass. Mr. Dibbs is now at work on another pin, and expects to accomplish a still more surprising feat.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 26th April 1899
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
A PLATINUM KETTLE
London
Scotland Yard is searching for a kettle - a kettle of exceeding value, made of platinum weighing more than 230 ounces. The kettle was stolen some days ago from Germany, and it is believed that the thieves got away with their booty to London.
It is probably the only kettle of its kind in the world, richly ornamented, and worth no doubt more than its weight in gold. So rare a treasure is scarcely likely, of course, to be preserved intact by those who have stolen it, and the difficulty of the search becomes, therefore, practically insuperable.
Source: Cardiff Times and South Wales Weekly News - 16th November 1907
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London
Scotland Yard is searching for a kettle - a kettle of exceeding value, made of platinum weighing more than 230 ounces. The kettle was stolen some days ago from Germany, and it is believed that the thieves got away with their booty to London.
It is probably the only kettle of its kind in the world, richly ornamented, and worth no doubt more than its weight in gold. So rare a treasure is scarcely likely, of course, to be preserved intact by those who have stolen it, and the difficulty of the search becomes, therefore, practically insuperable.
Source: Cardiff Times and South Wales Weekly News - 16th November 1907
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
THE JOSIAH WALSHAM COMPANY
Providence, Rhode Island
The Josiah Walsham Company has been incorporated in Providence, R.I., and has taken over the business conducted by the late Josiah Walsham for many years. The business is located at 48 Dudley St. and jewelry ornaments are manufactured.
Source: The Brass World and Platers' Guide - July 1913
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Providence, Rhode Island
The Josiah Walsham Company has been incorporated in Providence, R.I., and has taken over the business conducted by the late Josiah Walsham for many years. The business is located at 48 Dudley St. and jewelry ornaments are manufactured.
Source: The Brass World and Platers' Guide - July 1913
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
HAMPSTEAD HEATH TREASURE-TROVE
London
During the afternoon of the 21st of July 1892, whilst seated beneath a tree upon Hampstead Heath, a lady was astonished to see protruding from the ground and glistening in the sunshine something which upon closer examination proved to be a portion of a candlestick, with another part lying close beside it. Her little child who was with her proceeded with his spade to turn over the loose mould, the result being the further discovery of two flasks and a smaller portion of a candelabrum. In accordance with an Act passed in the reign of Edward I., it is customary for the coroner of the district in which such objects are discovered to hold an inquiry. The result of the inquiry into the objects found upon Hampstead Heath was to prove that they had been discovered as stated, and constituted what is known as Treasure-trove; as a result, the objects were formally handed over to the Treasury, who in modern times usually give the finders of such trove the bullion value of the material, if such objects are required for public institutions, coins and materials not so required becoming the property of the finder. These objects, forming an interesting section in the history of French art, have been sent to the South Kensington Museum, where they are now to be seen.
The treasure-trove consists of two spirit or scent flasks with screw tops; a small flat cup with handles; two sockets and nozzles of candlesticks; and one small portion, probably the handle, of a cup or a portion of a candelabrum; the weight of the whole being nearly fifty-nine ounces. The flasks are rectangular in form, and are similar in shape to the tea-caddies of the last century. They are both of very massive silver gilt, and are ornamented on the four sides with similar decoration, consisting of a flowing scroll at the base, from which arises a stem with branching floral ornament. The third object consists of a flattened cup, with handles in the form of griffins' heads with attenuated bodies. It has in raised-work around the body a row of acanthus leaf ornament alternating with tongue ornament The two sockets and nozzles of candlesticks are encircled by acanthus leaves, which appear to have been made separately and afterwards attached to the body.
These objects are very interesting, although it is somewhat difficult to say whether the ornamentation upon them is English or French. The body of the flasks is undoubtedly French, having been made in Paris in 1672; but the ornamentation is made after the style of English work of that period, similar work being found upon cups and tankards having English Hall marks exhibited near them in the Museum. The decoration appears to have been cast and afterwards chiselled.
Before mentioning the marks found upon these objects it may not be uninteresting to note those which French manufacturers were compelled to place upon their goods. From the year 1506, the makers of plate usually placed their initials upon such pieces, these initials afterwards becoming known as the 'Maker's Mark.' From the years 1275 to 1791, it was necessary to have stamped upon each object the 'punch of the Common Hall.' In 1275, when its use was first ordered by Philip le Hardi, it consisted of a fleur-de-lis ; from 1461 to 1783 it was some letter of the alphabet, over which was placed a crown. The letter 'C was used in Paris in 1671-72.
The sovereigns Henry III. and Louis XIII., in order to increase the revenue, had endeavoured to impose a tax upon plate ; but it was not until the reign of Louis XIV. that this tax was successfully imposed by an order dated March 31, 1672. The first mark used for this duty was the Mint letter of the town placed beneath a fleur-de-lis, and was known as the poincon de charge, or 'Farmer's Mark,' which letter for Paris was 'A.' Nine years later, a second mark was placed upon gold and silver smith's work, in order that the tax might be more strictly enforced, and consisted of a small mark, such as a human head, or that of some bird or beast These Farmers' marks lasted until the abolition of all taxes in 1791.
Upon the base of both of the flasks found upon Hampstead Heath is seen the Farmer's mark, being the letter 'A' surmounted by a crown with three fleurs-de-lis, one above the 'A' and one on either side, constituting the mark of Vincent Fortier, the Farmer-general of Duties from October 1672 to October 1680. One of the flasks has also the letter 'A' surmounted by a crown, being the Paris punch of the Common Hall. The second flask has a crown and a part of another letter, probably 'C,' which has already been noted as being the Paris mark for 1672; and also bears the initials 'L. R' separated by small lines and having two leaves beneath.
In regard to the ornamentation, which has already been described, upon these flasks, it is almost certain that it has been made by some other artist than the person who actually made them, for upon both are found the initials 'P. D. N.' punched into the floral ornament, surmounted by a hanging flower with clusters of fruit in a semicircle, these latter being very minute and indistinct These initials appear twice upon one of the flasks, whereas upon the base the maker's mark, 'L. R,' appears, from which it may be inferred that the flask is of French origin, the ornamentation upon it having been cast and chiselled by some English artist.
Upon the base of the cup there is a maker's mark consisting of a 'T' and 'I' separated by two minute tongue-like pieces, being the only mark appearing upon it It is probably English work of about the year 1685, a church in Gloucestershire having a similar cup bearing this date upon it.
As in all treasure-trove, it is exceedingly difficult to account for its being hidden away. The objects found upon Hampstead Heath may have been stolen, and then hidden away, the person so stealing dying and leaving no trace of their whereabouts; or they may have been hidden away in order to escape the great destruction of plate which took place in 1697, in the time of William III., or on account of the fear of a French invasion early in the present century. It was stated at the inquiry that the objects may have been immersed in the Thames mud for some time previous to their being placed where they were eventually found.
Source: Chambers's Journal - 4th February 1893
Trev.
London
During the afternoon of the 21st of July 1892, whilst seated beneath a tree upon Hampstead Heath, a lady was astonished to see protruding from the ground and glistening in the sunshine something which upon closer examination proved to be a portion of a candlestick, with another part lying close beside it. Her little child who was with her proceeded with his spade to turn over the loose mould, the result being the further discovery of two flasks and a smaller portion of a candelabrum. In accordance with an Act passed in the reign of Edward I., it is customary for the coroner of the district in which such objects are discovered to hold an inquiry. The result of the inquiry into the objects found upon Hampstead Heath was to prove that they had been discovered as stated, and constituted what is known as Treasure-trove; as a result, the objects were formally handed over to the Treasury, who in modern times usually give the finders of such trove the bullion value of the material, if such objects are required for public institutions, coins and materials not so required becoming the property of the finder. These objects, forming an interesting section in the history of French art, have been sent to the South Kensington Museum, where they are now to be seen.
The treasure-trove consists of two spirit or scent flasks with screw tops; a small flat cup with handles; two sockets and nozzles of candlesticks; and one small portion, probably the handle, of a cup or a portion of a candelabrum; the weight of the whole being nearly fifty-nine ounces. The flasks are rectangular in form, and are similar in shape to the tea-caddies of the last century. They are both of very massive silver gilt, and are ornamented on the four sides with similar decoration, consisting of a flowing scroll at the base, from which arises a stem with branching floral ornament. The third object consists of a flattened cup, with handles in the form of griffins' heads with attenuated bodies. It has in raised-work around the body a row of acanthus leaf ornament alternating with tongue ornament The two sockets and nozzles of candlesticks are encircled by acanthus leaves, which appear to have been made separately and afterwards attached to the body.
These objects are very interesting, although it is somewhat difficult to say whether the ornamentation upon them is English or French. The body of the flasks is undoubtedly French, having been made in Paris in 1672; but the ornamentation is made after the style of English work of that period, similar work being found upon cups and tankards having English Hall marks exhibited near them in the Museum. The decoration appears to have been cast and afterwards chiselled.
Before mentioning the marks found upon these objects it may not be uninteresting to note those which French manufacturers were compelled to place upon their goods. From the year 1506, the makers of plate usually placed their initials upon such pieces, these initials afterwards becoming known as the 'Maker's Mark.' From the years 1275 to 1791, it was necessary to have stamped upon each object the 'punch of the Common Hall.' In 1275, when its use was first ordered by Philip le Hardi, it consisted of a fleur-de-lis ; from 1461 to 1783 it was some letter of the alphabet, over which was placed a crown. The letter 'C was used in Paris in 1671-72.
The sovereigns Henry III. and Louis XIII., in order to increase the revenue, had endeavoured to impose a tax upon plate ; but it was not until the reign of Louis XIV. that this tax was successfully imposed by an order dated March 31, 1672. The first mark used for this duty was the Mint letter of the town placed beneath a fleur-de-lis, and was known as the poincon de charge, or 'Farmer's Mark,' which letter for Paris was 'A.' Nine years later, a second mark was placed upon gold and silver smith's work, in order that the tax might be more strictly enforced, and consisted of a small mark, such as a human head, or that of some bird or beast These Farmers' marks lasted until the abolition of all taxes in 1791.
Upon the base of both of the flasks found upon Hampstead Heath is seen the Farmer's mark, being the letter 'A' surmounted by a crown with three fleurs-de-lis, one above the 'A' and one on either side, constituting the mark of Vincent Fortier, the Farmer-general of Duties from October 1672 to October 1680. One of the flasks has also the letter 'A' surmounted by a crown, being the Paris punch of the Common Hall. The second flask has a crown and a part of another letter, probably 'C,' which has already been noted as being the Paris mark for 1672; and also bears the initials 'L. R' separated by small lines and having two leaves beneath.
In regard to the ornamentation, which has already been described, upon these flasks, it is almost certain that it has been made by some other artist than the person who actually made them, for upon both are found the initials 'P. D. N.' punched into the floral ornament, surmounted by a hanging flower with clusters of fruit in a semicircle, these latter being very minute and indistinct These initials appear twice upon one of the flasks, whereas upon the base the maker's mark, 'L. R,' appears, from which it may be inferred that the flask is of French origin, the ornamentation upon it having been cast and chiselled by some English artist.
Upon the base of the cup there is a maker's mark consisting of a 'T' and 'I' separated by two minute tongue-like pieces, being the only mark appearing upon it It is probably English work of about the year 1685, a church in Gloucestershire having a similar cup bearing this date upon it.
As in all treasure-trove, it is exceedingly difficult to account for its being hidden away. The objects found upon Hampstead Heath may have been stolen, and then hidden away, the person so stealing dying and leaving no trace of their whereabouts; or they may have been hidden away in order to escape the great destruction of plate which took place in 1697, in the time of William III., or on account of the fear of a French invasion early in the present century. It was stated at the inquiry that the objects may have been immersed in the Thames mud for some time previous to their being placed where they were eventually found.
Source: Chambers's Journal - 4th February 1893
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
TRIAL OF THE PIX - 1817
London
At the trial of the Pix in the Exchequer, July 14th, were tried three millions one hundred and seventy-eight thousand and eight pounds, sterling, of silver coin, being all that had then passed into circulation; and also seven hundred and three thousand six hundred and seventy-eight pounds, sterling, of gold coin, being all the gold coin at that time issued. The following is an extract from the verdict of the Jury of Goldsmiths sworn by the Lord Chancellor on that occasion, viz.:
We found in and took out of the said Pix gold consisting of 1004 sovereigns, or 20 shilling pieces, making together by tale 1004l. weighing together 21 lbs. 5oz. 15dwts, but which at the rate of 46l. 14s. 6d. to the pound weight Troy, should weigh 21 lbs. 50z. 16dwts. 23grs, and having taken 47 of the said coins, being in the tale 47l, did find the same to weigh 12oz. I dwt. 12grs. and to be by the assays and trial thereof agreeable to the standard trial piece of gold in his Majesty's Exchequer, dated 15th October, 1688.
We also found in and took out of the said Pix silver coins, consisting of 3938 half crowns, 9303 shillings, and 2305 six pences, making together by tale 1015l. 0s. 6d. and weighing together 307lbs. 4oz. 19dwts, but which at the rate of 66s, to the pound weight Troy should weigh 307|bs. 7oz. and having taken of the said silver coins two several parcels, the first parcel containing 13 half crowns, thirty shillings, and 7 sixpences, being in tale 66 shillings, and the second parcel containing 8 half crowns, 41 shillings, and 10 sixpences, being also in tale 66 shillings, did find each parcel to weigh exactly 1lb. and to be by the assay and trial thereof agreeable to the standard trial plate of silver in his Majesty's Exchequer, dated 11th April, 1728.
And we find that the remedy allowed on all the above mentioned gold coins in the said Pix amounts to 10dwts. 16grs. but that their lack of weight is only 1 dwt. 23grs. so that they are within the remedy 8dwts. 17grs.
As also, that the remedy on all the silver coins in the said Pix is 15oz. 7dwt. 14grs but that their lack of weight is only 2oz. 1dwt. ; so that they are within the remedy 13oz. 6dwts. 14grs.
Finding, therefore, the said several coins to be in weight, tale and allay, within the remedies provided by the indenture between his present Majesty King George the Third on the one part, and the said William Wellesley Pole of the other part, bearing date the 6th day of February, 1817, under which he is appointed to act, we do report, that by the assays and trials of the coins above mentioned, they are sufficient in allay, and according to the covenants comprized in the said indenture, to the best of our knowledge and discretion.
William Merle, William Moore,
John Henderson, John Harker,
Thomas Brind, John Barron,
Robert Makepeace, William City,
Thomas Ayres, William Disnes.
Source: The Literary Panorama and National Register - August 1817
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London
At the trial of the Pix in the Exchequer, July 14th, were tried three millions one hundred and seventy-eight thousand and eight pounds, sterling, of silver coin, being all that had then passed into circulation; and also seven hundred and three thousand six hundred and seventy-eight pounds, sterling, of gold coin, being all the gold coin at that time issued. The following is an extract from the verdict of the Jury of Goldsmiths sworn by the Lord Chancellor on that occasion, viz.:
We found in and took out of the said Pix gold consisting of 1004 sovereigns, or 20 shilling pieces, making together by tale 1004l. weighing together 21 lbs. 5oz. 15dwts, but which at the rate of 46l. 14s. 6d. to the pound weight Troy, should weigh 21 lbs. 50z. 16dwts. 23grs, and having taken 47 of the said coins, being in the tale 47l, did find the same to weigh 12oz. I dwt. 12grs. and to be by the assays and trial thereof agreeable to the standard trial piece of gold in his Majesty's Exchequer, dated 15th October, 1688.
We also found in and took out of the said Pix silver coins, consisting of 3938 half crowns, 9303 shillings, and 2305 six pences, making together by tale 1015l. 0s. 6d. and weighing together 307lbs. 4oz. 19dwts, but which at the rate of 66s, to the pound weight Troy should weigh 307|bs. 7oz. and having taken of the said silver coins two several parcels, the first parcel containing 13 half crowns, thirty shillings, and 7 sixpences, being in tale 66 shillings, and the second parcel containing 8 half crowns, 41 shillings, and 10 sixpences, being also in tale 66 shillings, did find each parcel to weigh exactly 1lb. and to be by the assay and trial thereof agreeable to the standard trial plate of silver in his Majesty's Exchequer, dated 11th April, 1728.
And we find that the remedy allowed on all the above mentioned gold coins in the said Pix amounts to 10dwts. 16grs. but that their lack of weight is only 1 dwt. 23grs. so that they are within the remedy 8dwts. 17grs.
As also, that the remedy on all the silver coins in the said Pix is 15oz. 7dwt. 14grs but that their lack of weight is only 2oz. 1dwt. ; so that they are within the remedy 13oz. 6dwts. 14grs.
Finding, therefore, the said several coins to be in weight, tale and allay, within the remedies provided by the indenture between his present Majesty King George the Third on the one part, and the said William Wellesley Pole of the other part, bearing date the 6th day of February, 1817, under which he is appointed to act, we do report, that by the assays and trials of the coins above mentioned, they are sufficient in allay, and according to the covenants comprized in the said indenture, to the best of our knowledge and discretion.
William Merle, William Moore,
John Henderson, John Harker,
Thomas Brind, John Barron,
Robert Makepeace, William City,
Thomas Ayres, William Disnes.
Source: The Literary Panorama and National Register - August 1817
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
RHODE ISLAND TOWN CRIERS
Providence, Rhode Island
The Town Criers of Rhode Island which include numerous jewelers in its membership, have decided to present a trophy to the city developing the best sales and advertising program during Truth week, Feb. 18 to 23. This trophy is being presented partly because the Truth week is a Providence idea and because Providence is a great jewelry centre where a satisfactory trophy can be manufactured. It is planned to have this trophy pass from one city to another as soon after the other works out the most successful plans for celebrating the week, thus making it a permanent advertisement for Providence.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 30th January 1924
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Providence, Rhode Island
The Town Criers of Rhode Island which include numerous jewelers in its membership, have decided to present a trophy to the city developing the best sales and advertising program during Truth week, Feb. 18 to 23. This trophy is being presented partly because the Truth week is a Providence idea and because Providence is a great jewelry centre where a satisfactory trophy can be manufactured. It is planned to have this trophy pass from one city to another as soon after the other works out the most successful plans for celebrating the week, thus making it a permanent advertisement for Providence.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 30th January 1924
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
THE SILVERSMITH'S DAUGHTER
Vienna
Vienna society is much concerned about the marriage which is said to be arranged between Prince Alois Liechtenstein and a bourgeoise lady about whom there has been much gossip, and who made a huge sensation about ten years back, when she was the greatest beauty in Vienna, and not unknown in England. This lady, who was a Fräulein Klinkosch, daughter of a silversmith of that name, was first married to a well-known English financier, but after a short time the ties of matrimony were dissolved. Soon after she was said to be engaged to Hans Makart, the famous painter, who took her for his model in many of his most famous pictures. For some reason, however, her matrimonial projects did not run smoothly, and in order to avenge herself an anonymous book appeared on the subject, which made a great stir in Viennese society at the time, and of which she was supposed to be the authoress. Makart left for Egypt, and they never met again.
Source: Life - May 1885
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Vienna
Vienna society is much concerned about the marriage which is said to be arranged between Prince Alois Liechtenstein and a bourgeoise lady about whom there has been much gossip, and who made a huge sensation about ten years back, when she was the greatest beauty in Vienna, and not unknown in England. This lady, who was a Fräulein Klinkosch, daughter of a silversmith of that name, was first married to a well-known English financier, but after a short time the ties of matrimony were dissolved. Soon after she was said to be engaged to Hans Makart, the famous painter, who took her for his model in many of his most famous pictures. For some reason, however, her matrimonial projects did not run smoothly, and in order to avenge herself an anonymous book appeared on the subject, which made a great stir in Viennese society at the time, and of which she was supposed to be the authoress. Makart left for Egypt, and they never met again.
Source: Life - May 1885
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
A MIRACLE?
Madrid
A singular trial has taken place at Madrid. A soldier was cited last week before the police-court for having stolen a gold cup of considerable value which had been placed as a votive offering on one of the numerous altars dedicated in that city to the Virgin. The soldier at once explained that he and his family being in great distress, he had appealed to the Holy Mother for assistance, and that while engaged in prayer and contemplation of the four millions' worth of jewels displayed on her brocaded petticoat, she stopped, and with a charming smile, handed him the golden cup. This explanation was received by the Court in profound silence, and the case handed over to the ecclesiastical commission, to whom it at once occurred that however inconvenient the admission of the miracle might be, it would be highly impolitic to dispute its possibility. They therefore gave the cup to the soldier, at the same time solemnly warning him for the future against similar favours from images of any kind, and impressing him with the conviction that the Virgin required profound silence from him as a proof of his gratitude.
Source: The Cardiff Times - 9th September 1864
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Madrid
A singular trial has taken place at Madrid. A soldier was cited last week before the police-court for having stolen a gold cup of considerable value which had been placed as a votive offering on one of the numerous altars dedicated in that city to the Virgin. The soldier at once explained that he and his family being in great distress, he had appealed to the Holy Mother for assistance, and that while engaged in prayer and contemplation of the four millions' worth of jewels displayed on her brocaded petticoat, she stopped, and with a charming smile, handed him the golden cup. This explanation was received by the Court in profound silence, and the case handed over to the ecclesiastical commission, to whom it at once occurred that however inconvenient the admission of the miracle might be, it would be highly impolitic to dispute its possibility. They therefore gave the cup to the soldier, at the same time solemnly warning him for the future against similar favours from images of any kind, and impressing him with the conviction that the Virgin required profound silence from him as a proof of his gratitude.
Source: The Cardiff Times - 9th September 1864
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
RANCOUR AT THE FETE
Cardiff
The Tories of Cardiff cannot be congratulated upon their recent attempt to legislate by picnic. At a Conservative fete held the other day in that town, muscular Christians or Tories—no doubt the terms are convertible—were invited to compete for prizes, and the sports attracted a number of patriots burning with the double desire to maintain the House of Lords and to carry off silver-plated coffee-pots. A certain Mr. Rickard put forth his constitutional efforts to such good purpose that he was successful in several “events.” It is fair to assume that he went home blessing Lord Salisbury and the Peers; but his jubilation turned to rancour when a suspicion began to steal over him that the prizes were, in the blunt, brutal language of commerce, under value. Accordingly he refused to accept them, and relations forthwith became strained. The fete committee have since held a meeting to consider the grievance of the ill-conditioned Rickard, and have resolved “to submit the prizes to a competent jeweller, and, if found deficient in value, to make such amends as in their opinion shall be right.” In local Tory circles the arbitrament of the “competent jeweller" is awaited with keen interest; but meanwhile a moral may be drawn from the political experiences of Mr. Rickard. It is this: that legislation by athletics, unless conducted upon straightforward lines, is not likely to do much service to the Conservative cause.
Source: The Pall Mall Budget - 29th August 1884
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Cardiff
The Tories of Cardiff cannot be congratulated upon their recent attempt to legislate by picnic. At a Conservative fete held the other day in that town, muscular Christians or Tories—no doubt the terms are convertible—were invited to compete for prizes, and the sports attracted a number of patriots burning with the double desire to maintain the House of Lords and to carry off silver-plated coffee-pots. A certain Mr. Rickard put forth his constitutional efforts to such good purpose that he was successful in several “events.” It is fair to assume that he went home blessing Lord Salisbury and the Peers; but his jubilation turned to rancour when a suspicion began to steal over him that the prizes were, in the blunt, brutal language of commerce, under value. Accordingly he refused to accept them, and relations forthwith became strained. The fete committee have since held a meeting to consider the grievance of the ill-conditioned Rickard, and have resolved “to submit the prizes to a competent jeweller, and, if found deficient in value, to make such amends as in their opinion shall be right.” In local Tory circles the arbitrament of the “competent jeweller" is awaited with keen interest; but meanwhile a moral may be drawn from the political experiences of Mr. Rickard. It is this: that legislation by athletics, unless conducted upon straightforward lines, is not likely to do much service to the Conservative cause.
Source: The Pall Mall Budget - 29th August 1884
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
THE HALLMARKING OF WATCHES
London
There is an impression abroad that it is not necessary to hall-mark enameled or enameled and jeweled watches. This is utterly erroneous. All watches, no matter how decorated, must pass through the British assay offices, and those who take any risks will have a heavier bill to pay than they had anticipated.
Our object in making this statement is to warn the retailer who would assuredly be the victim in the case of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths taking the matter up.
Source: London Watchmaker - September 1909
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London
There is an impression abroad that it is not necessary to hall-mark enameled or enameled and jeweled watches. This is utterly erroneous. All watches, no matter how decorated, must pass through the British assay offices, and those who take any risks will have a heavier bill to pay than they had anticipated.
Our object in making this statement is to warn the retailer who would assuredly be the victim in the case of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths taking the matter up.
Source: London Watchmaker - September 1909
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Re: The Daily Snippet - Past News of the Silver Trade
THE SIMEON L. AND GEO. H. ROGERS Co. AND THE VAN BERGH SILVER PLATE Co.
Chicago
The Simeon L. and Geo. H. Rogers Co., and the Van Bergh Silver Plate Co., which arranged last July to have P. M. Ver Maas act as manager for both concerns in the west, and which have had joint quarters on the second floor of the Silversmith’s building in this city since that time, recently discovered that the contract then made was so written as to be misconstrued by some of the parties thereto and have as a consequence arranged to have separate representatives in this territory hereafter. William Morgan, formerly with the International Silver Co., at Hartford and Meriden, Conn., has associated himself as western representative with the Simeon L. and Geo. H. Rogers Co., while Mr. Ver Maas will continue to represent the Van Bergh Silver Plate Co.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 4th May 1904
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Chicago
The Simeon L. and Geo. H. Rogers Co., and the Van Bergh Silver Plate Co., which arranged last July to have P. M. Ver Maas act as manager for both concerns in the west, and which have had joint quarters on the second floor of the Silversmith’s building in this city since that time, recently discovered that the contract then made was so written as to be misconstrued by some of the parties thereto and have as a consequence arranged to have separate representatives in this territory hereafter. William Morgan, formerly with the International Silver Co., at Hartford and Meriden, Conn., has associated himself as western representative with the Simeon L. and Geo. H. Rogers Co., while Mr. Ver Maas will continue to represent the Van Bergh Silver Plate Co.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 4th May 1904
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